UFC 3-560-01
6 December 2006
Including change 1, 7 December 2006
the sides and the rear. The helper must also check that there is ample clearance when
turning corners, entering highways, or crossing intersections. When necessary, the
helper must act as a flagman to warn and direct traffic.
10-2.7.3 Poles extending more than 4 ft (1.2 m) beyond the back of a truck or trailer
will have warning devices attached. Attach a red flag by day and a red light by night to
the rear end of the poles being hauled. The red flag or light must be visible from the
sides and rear. Observe all local and state highway regulations when poles are
transported over off-base highways.
10-3
POLE INSTALLATION, REPLACEMENT, AND REMOVAL. Poles for new
aerial lines are often installed by contract workers, however, activity workers might need
to install poles to replace storm-damaged, insect-damaged, or decayed poles.
Remember that poles and guys must be properly located relative to the local activity
property line or utility right-of-way.
10-3.1
Pole Holes. If new poles are to be set adjacent to existing poles to be
dismantled, new holes must be dug. Power tools are available for digging, such as
power borers or augers, and only qualified personnel must use these tools. Rock
cutting drills are generally a safer alternative than the use of explosives, where rock is
encountered. Many pole holes can be dug by hand if power diggers are unavailable or
cannot be used. The area where poles are to be set must be scoped and all utilities
identified and marked. Special care must be taken when digging close to underground
energized cables/circuits.
10-3.2
Digging Holes. Digging a pole hole involves significant hazards that can
cause major injuries. These hazards range from electrocution, shock, vehicular
hazards, crushing injuries, eye injuries from flying dirt and rocks, blisters on the hands
from the use of hand tools, and foot and leg injuries resulting from falling over tools,
particularly shovels that have been left turned up.
10-3.3
Covering a Hole. Cover all open pole holes as soon as they are dug when
other related work must continue near the hole, except when the pole is to be
immediately set into the hole after digging. Covers must be at least 30 in (760 mm) in
diameter, and must be strong enough to support two men. Place four or five shovels of
soil on the cover after it is placed over the hole. If necessary, also set up cones to
secure the area.
10-3.4
Hole Casings. Casings may be required in sandy or swampy soil to prevent
the sides of a hole from caving in. Casing covers are required if the pole setting is not
done immediately.
10-3.5
Setting Poles. Pole setting is a hazardous job even with experienced
personnel using the best equipment. The methods authorized for manually setting
poles are the pike pole method, the winch line method, and the gin pole method. The
use of a line truck is the preferred method whenever possible.
10-5
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